Vettel became the youngest winner in F1 history here in 2008 at the age of 21 with Toro Rosso but his fourth-place finish last year was Red Bull's best result in six attempts at the track — until now.

With average speeds of 250 kph (155 mph) and top speeds of 340 kph (211 mph), Monza is the fastest circuit on the calendar, and drivers got optimal use out of their drag reduction systems (DRS) — adjustable rear wings — and the KERS power boosts, creating a race filled with overtaking.

But, as is so often the case, the race began with chaos.

Further back on the starting grid, Vitantonio Liuzzi slid his HRT across the grass and into Vitaly Petrov's Renault and Nico Rosberg's Mercedes at the first chicane, bringing out the safety car and ending the race for all three drivers.

Red Bull's Mark Webber then attempted to pass Ferrari's Felipe Massa on the sixth lap and made contact. Massa emerged seemingly unscathed but Webber lost his front nose and crashed later in the lap to end his race.

Hamilton and five-time Monza champion Michael Schumacher traded places twice in a tight battle for third, with Hamilton eventually remaining in front, but the British driver then made an error that allowed Button to surge past, as Schumacher dropped back after his first pit stop.

Button passed Alonso with 16 laps to go and the Spaniard held off a pressing Hamilton on the final lap.

Alonso got Ferrari's only win this year at the British GP in July, and with the home team struggling attendance in Monza appeared slightly down from past years.

The Ferrari fans who came to the track north of Milan posted banners offering encouragement, with many saying "We'll always be with you."

Alonso bowed to the crowd during the podium celebration and received a warm applause from the fans — more affectionately known as "tifosi."

The race was held in clear and warm conditions, with the track temperature soaring to 43 degrees Celsius (110 F).

Daniel Ricciardo of HRC, Jerome D'Ambrosio of Virgin and Adrian Sutil of Force India had their races cut short, each with apparent technical problems.